Commissions are tricky. And unless you have been thorough you might end up working "on-spec". This means that you create a commissioned work, and then, once it's complete, the client views it and decides whether they will purchase it or not. Ouch! This can be a truly unholy, rude awakening. With equal parts foresight and clear communication in written or verbal form, you can effectively ward off evil and reassure yourself that your project is totally worth your time.

"Having a written contract signed by both parties is meant to: eliminate any surprises for both the client and artist (everything is agreed upon in advance) and protect your interests and the interests of the client"

About the author

With a compulsion to create unique visual stories, her paintings often follow the thread of a heroine's misadventures through a surreal landscape.

She's had the pleasure of teaching at Langara College and given community workshops on painting techniques with an emphasis on watercolour, oil and acrylic. She is a board member at the Grunt gallery. Google+